Skycraft Scout ZK-RWW

[Deleted]

Hi all,
Jonathan Mauchline, CFI at Wanganui Aero Club, has acquired literal barn find (stored among hay bales in a shed for 20+ years) Skycraft Scout Mk.III ZK-RWW, which he is restoring to airworthiness. He also has a second airframe for parts. I'd seen him posting very mircrolight-looking tubes on Facebook and Instagram so wandered over on Saturday for a look:
ZK-RWW Whanganui 050222 Zac Yates by Zac Yates, on Flickr
ZK-RWW Whanganui 050222 Zac Yates by Zac Yates, on Flickr
ZK-RWW Whanganui 050222 Zac Yates by Zac Yates, on Flickr
ZK-RWW Whanganui 050222 Zac Yates by Zac Yates, on Flickr
Jonathan Mauchline and ZK-RWW Whanganui 050222 Zac Yates by Zac Yates, on Flickr

Here are some photos from Sunday showing it assembled minus engine (stripped-down and the internals are apparently looking fantastic) and seat (yet to be acquired):
Whanganui 060322 Zac Yates by Zac Yates, on Flickr
Whanganui 060322 Zac Yates by Zac Yates, on Flickr
Whanganui 060322 Zac Yates by Zac Yates, on Flickr
Whanganui 060322 Zac Yates by Zac Yates, on Flickr
Whanganui 060322 Zac Yates by Zac Yates, on Flickr
Whanganui 060322 Zac Yates by Zac Yates, on Flickr
Whanganui 060322 Zac Yates by Zac Yates, on Flickr

When complete this will be the only flying Scout in the country, although there are a few (including I believe two at Rangitata Island) hiding away.

Jonny's keen to see any pictures of this aircraft in its prime - does anyone have anything of her?

[Bruce]

definitely a rare bit of microlight heritage, although I wouldnt be too keen to fly it. Its interesting to note the wing structure is essentially a couple of yacht masts and sails! very minimal!

[johnnyfalcon]

First generation!

[ZKaviation]

Congratulations to Jonathan for bringing ZK-RWW back to flight!
Zac looks like plenty of room for a passenger on it, hope you go up for a flight!
Happy to be there for pictures!

[Deleted]

Mar 8, 2022 18:11:36 GMT 12 johnnyfalcon said:

First generation!

As soon as he said "wing warping" I was into it!

Mar 16, 2022 21:04:44 GMT 12 ZKaviation said:

Zac looks like plenty of room for a passenger on it, hope you go up for a flight!

Ha! One of the first things I asked was the upper weight limit for the pilot. Let's just say my lack of PPL isn't the only thing stopping me!

Mar 16, 2022 21:04:44 GMT 12 ZKaviation said:

Happy to be there for pictures!

Me too! I'll keep you posted

[Antonio]

Mar 17, 2022 8:48:09 GMT 12 @zacyates said:

Mar 16, 2022 21:04:44 GMT 12 ZKaviation said:

Ha! One of the first things I asked was the upper weight limit for the pilot. Let's just say my lack of PPL isn't the only thing stopping me!

Mar 16, 2022 21:04:44 GMT 12 ZKaviation said:

   
Me too.....

[chbessexboy]

Congratulations Jonathan on resuscitating an important piece of microlight history!

I thought you may be interested in my Scout. I acquired it after the owner decided to hang up his goggles. The damage was caused by human error rather than an airframe failure. I hope to rebuild to the point of hopping it before I decide how brave I am!

[Deleted]

I'll send Jonathan a link, thanks for sharing! Which one is it?

As far as RWW goes, when I was at the club to watch some competitions on Sunday her engine had been fitted:
ZK-RWW Whanganui 200322 by Zac Yates, on Flickr
ZK-RWW Whanganui 200322 by Zac Yates, on Flickr

[chbessexboy]

Mar 24, 2022 15:26:00 GMT 12 @zacyates said:

I'll send Jonathan a link, thanks for sharing! Which one is it?

Thanks Zac. My Scout came from Australia when the owner returned from his OE and was not registered in NZ. It has a 447 Rotax on a factory mount.

[Deleted]

Yesterday was a milestone in the life of ZK-RWW: her first hop in more than twenty years! Albeit unmanned and guided by owner Jonny, Cameron Allardice and Jacob Gorman. Filmed by Jonny's wife Elizabeth, Cameron Walker and Stu Ashby:

[Deleted]

A little update from Jonny yesterday on Facebook: bringing life back to the very weathered rego:
ZK-RWW Whanganui 23/04/22 by Zac Yates, on Flickr

[Deleted]

Jonny's been busy! Not only has the underwing registration been reinstated but she has new wheels and a seat:
DSC_3719 by Zac Yates, on Flickr
DSC_3720 by Zac Yates, on Flickr
DSC_3725 by Zac Yates, on Flickr
DSC_3729 by Zac Yates, on Flickr
DSC_3730 by Zac Yates, on Flickr
DSC_3728 by Zac Yates, on Flickr

I believe he's now waiting on a propeller, as well as conducting some other remedial work. Sadly no photos of her prior life have surfaced.

[chbessexboy]

Great progress! Where did the wheels come from Zac? I need a pair for mine.

[Deleted]

Apr 25, 2022 18:38:35 GMT 12 chbessexboy said:

Great progress! Where did the wheels come from Zac? I need a pair for mine.

I just asked Jonny on Facebook: Award Importing in Palmerston North (link). PM inbound!

[Deleted]

Update from Jonny last night:

Second forward brace cable crimped

ZK-RWW Whanganui 260422 Jonathan Mauchline 01 by Zac Yates, on Flickr
ZK-RWW Whanganui 260422 Jonathan Mauchline 02 by Zac Yates, on Flickr

[Deleted]

She's looking more and more complete every day!
ZK-RWW Whanganui 280422 Jonathan Mauchline 01 by Zac Yates, on Flickr

[Deleted]

Yesterday a mate alerted me to Grumman AgCat ZK-RTA popping in for fuel so I took the chance to get some photos and video, and to have a catch up with Jonny and the Scout. He'd just found a fuel tank from a Suzuki motorbike that fits perfectly, and is now waiting for his new prop.
Skycraft Scout Mk.III ZK-RWW by Zac Yates, on Flickr
Skycraft Scout Mk.III ZK-RWW by Zac Yates, on Flickr
Skycraft Scout Mk.III ZK-RWW by Zac Yates, on Flickr
Skycraft Scout Mk.III ZK-RWW by Zac Yates, on Flickr
Skycraft Scout Mk.III ZK-RWW by Zac Yates, on Flickr
Skycraft Scout Mk.III ZK-RWW by Zac Yates, on Flickr

[Deleted]

I just got back from seeing Jonny at the club and he's hoping to collect the new propeller from the courier depot tomorrow! She's looking ready and raring to go:
ZK-RWW Whanganui 080522 Zac Yates by Zac Yates, on Flickr
ZK-RWW Whanganui 080522 Zac Yates by Zac Yates, on Flickr

ZK-RWW Whanganui 080522 Zac Yates by Zac Yates, on Flickr
The original, very small throttle.

Hopefully we may see movement this week...
ZK-RWW Whanganui 080522 Zac Yates by Zac Yates, on Flickr

[Deleted]

Big news yesterday:
rego by Zac Yates, on Flickr

And Jonny messaged me today to say he has the prop. Waiting for the call to go out and take photos of an engine run or two!

[nuuumannn]

Excellent, Zac. The Skycraft Scout is historic in Australia as being the first type to receive certification under the Ultralight classification. The first to do so is in the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney, formating with a historic Catalina.

VH-ASA 1